Challenges to Elizabeth’s reign Flashcards
Why did the Northern Earls rebel?
The Catholic earls had lost much of their influence when Mary I died. They also resented Elizabeth for appointing her Protestant favourites like William Cecil and Robert Dudley.
What two earls were involved in the Northern Rebellion?
- Earl of Northumberland and his wife
- Earl of Westmoreland and his wife
How did the Catholic nobility plan to restore Catholicism?
Mary Queen of Scots would marry the Duke of Norfolk, and depose Elizabeth, becoming queen herself. This plan was supported by the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland.
How did the marriage plan between Mary QoS and the Duke of Norfolk fail?
Elizabeth found out and imprisoned the Duke of Norfolk. The two earls feared they would be executed for their involvement, so they rebelled.
What were the events of the Northern Rebellion in 1569?
Northumberland and Westmoreland took control of Durham Cathedral and held a Catholic Mass. They began to move south, aiming to restore Catholicism by overthrowing Elizabeth.
Why did the Catholic nobles’ revolt fail?
- Northern landowners remained loyal to Elizabeth
- Elizabeth raised an army to stop the rebels
Why was the Revolt of the Northern Earls significant?
- Showed Mary Queen of Scots could not be trusted
- Strengthened Elizabeth’s control over North England
- Caused the Pope to excommunicate Elizabeth
Who was Roberto Ridolfi?
Italian banker living in England. He worked as a spy for the Pope.
What was the plan for the Ridolfi Plot?
In 1571, he plotted to murder Elizabeth, launch a Spanish invasion, and put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. Mary would then marry the Duke of Norfolk.
What were the early events of the Ridolfi Plot?
- In March 1571, Ridolfi went to the Netherlands to discuss the plot with the Pope, King Phillip II and the Duke of Alba
- Ridolfi had a letter signed by the Duke of Norfolk in which Norfolk pledged to lead the rebellion with Phillip II’s support
What was Alba’s role in the Ridolfi Plot?
He was instructed by Phillip II to prepare 10,000 troops to send to England to overthrow Elizabeth.
Why was the Ridolfi Plot unsuccessful?
Sir William Cecil discovered the plot and was able to prove that the Duke of Norfolk was guilty of treason.
How did Elizabeth respond to the Ridolfi Plot?
- Elizabeth executed Duke of Norfolk in 1572
- Despite Parliament’s demands of executing Mary QoS, Elizabeth refused since Mary was anointed
Why was the Ridolfi Plot significant?
- It reinforced the threat from Spain and Mary Queen of Scots
- It resulted in Catholics being monitored more closely and treated more severely
Who was the French Duke of Guise?
Mary Queen of Scot’s cousin and the brains behind the Throckmorton Plot.
What was the plan for the Throckmorton Plot?
In 1583, the French Duke of Guise was going to invade England, free Mary and make her Queen. This would restore Catholicism.
What was the role of Phillip II in the Throckmorton Plot?
He was prepared to provide financial support for the conspiracy, which the Pope approved of.
Who was Francis Throckmorton?
He was an Englishman who would act as a go-between with Mary Queen of Scots and the plotters.
Why did the Throckmorton Plot not succeed?
Sir Francis Walsingham discovered the plot and put Throckmorton under surveillance. Later, they found papers that revealed his role in the plot and executed him in 1584.
What was the significance of the Throckmorton Plot?
- Throckmorton’s papers revealed a list of Catholic sympathisers in England, confirming fear of the ‘enemy within’
- Highlighted threat of Spain again
- 11,000 Catholics were imprisoned or kept under surveillance
What was the plan for the Babington Plot?
In 1586, the Duke of Guise (again) would invade England, murder Elizabeth and put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. Phillip II and the Pope supported the plot too.
What was the role of Anthony Babington?
He wrote to Mary Queen of Scots about the proposed plot.
Why did the Babington Plot fail?
Sir Francis Walsngham intercepted and read the letters being sent in beer barrels to Mary QoS. This showed her awareness and support for the conspiracy.
How did Elizabeth respond to the Babington Plot?
- She sentenced Babington and other conspirators to death for high treason
- Mary Queen of Scots was put on trial by the Privy Council and found guilty of high treason. She was sentenced to death in February 1587